Updated: Pelham police warn daytime home burglaries on rise

By APRIL GUILMETUnion Leader CorrespondentFebruary 12. 2013 9:45AMPELHAM— A string of home burglaries this past month has perplexed area police, who are urging residents to be on the lookout for suspicious activity in their neighborhoods.

Five Pelham homes have been burglarized in recent weeks, according to Pelham Police Sgt. Mike Pickles. He said the most recent of those incidents was on Monday, when an Atwood Road homeowner returned from work to discover a broken door and missing laptop, digital camera, camcorder and other such items.

Similar instances have been reported on Applewood and Old Lawrence roads and on Monticello Drive. Two of those burglaries took place just last week.

"Whoever is doing this is breaking the home's sliding glass doors and forcing their way inside," Pickles said. "They're coming in during the day when no one is at home, and they're taking things like small electronics, jewelry and cash. And these instances are definitely getting more frequent, which is a huge concern."

As of Tuesday afternoon, no one has come forward to report any suspicious activity or individuals.

"We don't have a whole lot to go by right now, which is why we're really calling on the public to keep their eyes open," Pickles said.

Pickles added that he feels fortunate that as of now, no one has come home while their home was being burglarized. Police are strongly urging residents to be aware of their surroundings and, should they suspect anything suspicious, to contact them immediately.

"If you come home and you see a door or a window has been broken, don't go inside," Pickles said. "Leave the premises and call the police right away."

Pelham police are working closely with the Hudson Police Department to investigate all leads, as similar instances have been reported in the neighboring town.

Hudson Police Capt. Bill Avery couldn't be reached for comment Tuesday afternoon. Residents with any information pertaining to the recent burglaries are urged to contact the Pelham Police Department at 635-2411 or the Hudson Police Department at 886-6011.